Are you craving a comforting, delicious side dish that’s both elegant and easy to make? Then look no further! This recipe brings you the irresistible sweet potato casserole, inspired by the renowned Ruth's Chris Steak House in New Orleans, but adapted for your home kitchen. This isn't your grandma's sweet potato casserole; it's a gourmet upgrade perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special occasion. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this incredibly flavorful and satisfying dish!
Ingredients: You'll Need These Gems
This recipe uses simple, readily available ingredients to deliver an extraordinary taste.
- 3 lbs sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup pecan halves, toasted
Instructions: Let's Get Cooking!
This recipe is surprisingly simple to follow, even for beginner cooks.
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Boil the Sweet Potatoes: Place the cubed sweet potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15-20 minutes. Drain well.
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Mash and Mix: While the sweet potatoes are still warm, mash them thoroughly. You can use a potato masher or an electric mixer for a smoother consistency.
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Incorporate Wet Ingredients: Stir in the melted butter, milk, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix until everything is well combined and creamy.
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Prepare the Topping: In a separate bowl, combine the toasted pecans. You can chop them roughly or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
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Assemble and Bake: Pour the sweet potato mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the pecans evenly over the top.
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Bake to Perfection: Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30-40 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the topping is lightly browned. If the top is browning too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil.
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Cool and Serve: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and makes it easier to cut and serve.
Cooking Tips for Sweet Potato Success
- Sweet Potato Selection: Use sweet potatoes that are firm and heavy for their size. Avoid any that are soft or have bruises.
- Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans enhances their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to the casserole. Simply spread them on a baking sheet and toast in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until fragrant.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of ginger or allspice can add a lovely warmth.
- Marshmallow Topping (Optional): For a classic touch, top the casserole with mini marshmallows during the last 5-10 minutes of baking.
Variations: Explore the Possibilities
This recipe provides a fantastic base for experimentation.
- Bourbon Pecan: Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the sweet potato mixture for an adult twist.
- Spiced Pecan: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce into the topping for a spicy kick.
- Coconut Sweet Potato Casserole: Add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the sweet potato mixture for a tropical twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 300-350
- Fat: 15-20g
- Carbohydrates: 40-45g
- Protein: 4-5g
This recipe provides a delicious and healthy side dish that's perfect for any occasion. Its ease of preparation and impressive taste make it a surefire crowd-pleaser. Enjoy!